How to Build Portable Steps for a Stage

Portable stage steps are useful in a theatre, because they can provide access to the stage from the audience during rehearsals, but they can also be removed during performances to prevent anyone from going up on the stage. Building your own portable stage steps is not as difficult as it may seem, as most of the materials are precut for you. The project can be completed in a few hours with the right tools.

Measure the height of your stage, from the floor to the top of the stage, using a measuring tape.

Purchase precut stair frames, or stringers, at your local home improvement center that are the height of your stage, based on your measurements. The stair frames are made of wood and have staggered edges for the placement of steps. They come in a variety of heights. You will need two stair frames—one for each side of the staircase.

Purchase precut stair steps that fit on the frames that you have selected. Different frames have different precut step pieces that correspond to them.

Stand one side of the stair frames upright.

Lay the wood for your first stair step on the bottom section of the frame and secure it to the frame with screws and a power drill.

Stand the second stair frame upright on the opposite side of the first, and lay the other end of the wood stair step on the bottom section of that piece of the frame. Secure it to the frame with screws and a power drill.

Attach the remaining wood stair steps to both sides of the frame with screws and a power drill.

Measure the open back of the staircase using a measuring tape. Measure the height and width of the back.

Cut a piece of lumber that corresponds with your measurements, using a table saw.

Attach the piece of lumber to the back of the staircase, using screws and a power drill.

Paint or stain the staircase as needed.